Pros advice

Courageous Day to play World Cup of Golf Following Family Tragedy

Jason Day is planning to push on with his plans to take part in this week’s World Cup of Golf despite learning that eight of his relatives have been lost in the Philippines typhoon disaster.

The 27-year-old has been informed that his grandmother, uncle and six cousins were amongst the thousands killed when Typhoon Haiyan struck the country last week.

Day released a statement which read: "I am deeply saddened to confirm that multiple members of my family lost their lives as the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

"My family and I are thankful for all who have reached out with their prayers and concern. We feel devastated for all who have been affected by this horrific tragedy.

"I will have no further public comments at this time. Please pray for all who have suffered loss."

Jason Day’s mother Dening is of Philippines descent but decided to migrate to Australia about 30 years ago. She revealed that it was extremely difficult for her being so far away from the tragedy, but is adamant that her son will not be distracted from his golfing commitments.

She said: "You can't do anything, you can't help, you can't even talk to them to find out what's going on.

"But he's a very strong boy, mentally he's very strong. Hopefully he can focus on what he is doing."

Day will partner Masters champion Adam Scott at the World Cup of Golf when it gets underway at Royal Melbourne Golf Club this Thursday. Playing on home soil, the Queenslanders are hot favourites to claim victory in the four-day competition with in-form Scott having won his last two-stroke play outings.

Latest Golf News

The Golfer of the Year – an award Ballesteros won on three occasions in 1986, ‘88 and ‘91 – is voted for by the golf media. He beat off competition from Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton and Rookie of the Year Jon Rahm...